About The MarineBear Award

This £800 award from the Brun Bear Foundation will support an outstanding conservation technology project focused on marine conservation

Whether you are working to monitor marine ecosystems and their inhabitants, prevent human-marine life conflict, research the impacts of climate change or pollution on marine populations, or address other critical marine conservation challenges, we want to hear from you.

To apply, submit the official online form via the following link. The form includes fields for personal information and project details. Applicants should ensure all required fields are completed accurately. For CV and other supporting documents, please follow the instructions provided at the end of the form for separate submission.

​​​The trustees of The Brun Bear Foundation do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, creed, gender, sexual orientation, disability or national/ethnic origin.

Who can apply?

This award is open to all applicants using conservation technology to research or protect marine life. Importantly, it is available to applicants at all stages of project development, whether you are beginning to explore a new idea for applying conservation technology to marine research or are involved in an established project that is actively working towards results. Applicants of all skill levels, stages of development, and professional or academic affiliations (including independent conservation tech developers) are welcome to apply.

Please elaborate on the project requirement 

This award is ideal for projects addressing marine-related issues such as:
•    Habitat loss and destruction
•    Human-marine life conflict
•    Climate change impacts on populations and habitats
•    Predator/prey interactions
•    Population surveys
•    And much more

No matter how or where you are using conservation technology in your work with marine life, this award can support the essential components needed to advance your project. You may need funding to purchase new technological equipment like underwater cameras or improve current equipment. Alternatively, you might use the award to access critical resources, tools, or training. If your team faces other challenges that hinder the successful deployment or exploration of new technologies—such as lacking the gear required to reach study sites, navigating expensive permits, or needing specialised expertise that exceeds your current budget—we want to know how an £800 award could help bring those pieces together.

The selected awardee will receive the following support from The Brun Bear Foundation:

• An £800 award from The Brun Bear Foundation to contribute towards the resources needed to advance your project, including new equipment and access to essential tools
• A platform to share and publish progress and results with project coverage through The Brun Bear Foundation and its advisors’ various content channels. Publishing and knowledge-sharing options include virtual events, case studies and interviews.
• Support to ensure your project updates and results have a far-reaching impact within the marine conservation community and beyond

Key dates and process

• Applications must be submitted before 20 December 2024 at 17:00 GMT
• Applications must be submitted through the official online form on the MarineBear Award webpage, which can also be accessed here The form includes fields for personal information and project details. Applicants should ensure all required fields are completed accurately. For CV and other supporting documents, please follow the instructions provided at the end of the form for separate submission.
• The selection process will follow, including possible video calls with candidates
• One winning participant will be announced as the Awardee by The Brun Bear Foundation
• All of our processes are conducted in English. We strive to use clear and simple language and are happy to clarify any points that may be unclear.
• As a general rule, we are unable to provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

What information should I have in place before I apply via the official online form?

• A detailed description of your proposed conservation technological project. 
• Information on how your project supports marine conservation or research using conservation technology
• Evidence of previously demonstrated viability (e.g. field, lab, personal trials, modelling or past experience).
• A clear timeline showing how your project could reach field testing, deployment or use within one year
• A budget outlining how the award funds (up to £800) would be used
• Your commitment to engaging with a mentor and the broader conservation tech community​
• Your plan for documenting your work and processes

Who makes up your selection committee and how do you ensure a fair evaluation of applications?

• Our selection committee comprises renowned experts in marine conservation, technology, and sustainability, ensuring a fair and knowledgeable evaluation process. 

• Dr Beverley Mackenzie is the Director of Marine Environment at BIMCO (Baltic and International Maritime Council), a position she has held since January 2022. With over 20 years of experience in the maritime sector, Dr Mackenzie has developed extensive expertise in marine environmental issues, particularly focusing on ballast water management, biofouling, and underwater noise. Her role at BIMCO involves leading the organisation’s efforts in addressing environmental challenges faced by the shipping industry. Prior to joining BIMCO, Dr Mackenzie held significant positions at IMarEST (Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology), including Head of Technical and Policy. Her academic background includes a PhD in Marine Biology from the University of Southampton, which has provided her with a strong scientific foundation for her work in maritime environmental policy. Dr Mackenzie’s combination of scientific knowledge and industry experience makes her eminently qualified for a selection committee focused on marine conservation and technology.

• Dr Olive Heffernan is a freelance science journalist and lecturer specialising in ocean and climate science communication. With a background in fisheries science, studying overexploited cod stocks in the Northeast Atlantic, Dr Heffernan transitioned into science journalism and has since become a respected voice in the field. She has contributed to numerous prestigious publications, including Nature, WIRED, New Scientist, and Scientific American, covering topics related to oceans and climate change. Dr Heffernan’s career highlights include serving as the founding chief editor of the research journal Nature Climate Change and working as an editor with Nature Publishing Group. Currently, she teaches science communication with a focus on climate change at Johns Hopkins University. Dr Heffernan has written a book about the high seas,  which examines the intricate relationship between humans and the vast areas of ocean that are not owned by any nation. Her expertise in marine science, coupled with her extensive experience in science communication, makes her an ideal candidate for evaluating projects that combine marine conservation, technology, and effective communication strategies.

How do I apply?

To apply to this award, follow these steps:

• Make sure you’re familiar with the award’s Terms & Conditions at the foot of this page. 
• Submit your application through the official online form here 
• The form includes fields for personal information and project details.
• Applicants should ensure all required fields are completed accurately.
• For CV and other supporting documents, please follow the instructions provided at the end of the form for separate submission

What happens if my application is successful?

• You will be notified of your selection as the Awardee
• You will need to execute an Award Letter with the Brun Bear Foundation

You will be required to:

• Develop the proposed project
• Create a project and communications plan for upscaling
• Provide quarterly updates on project progress
• Participate in two interviews with the Brun Bear Foundation
• Appear at a Brun Bear Foundation virtual event
• Produce a concluding case study at the end of the Award year
• Provide ongoing yearly updates on the project’s continuation or publication​​​

For more information: https://www.brunbearfoundation.uk/marinebear

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